The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) has released its annual performance report for 2025, revealing a year of intense counter-terrorism efforts amid persistent security challenges. The data paints a stark picture of the province's ongoing struggle against explosive threats.
A Year of Defusing and Detonations
According to the official report made public on Saturday, the BDU's teams successfully deactivated 35 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across the province during the year. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the detonation of 72 other IEDs in the same period, highlighting the relentless scale of the threat. The unit also managed to defuse 247 hand grenades, though 133 were used in various attacks.
The report documented 70 explosions involving rocket shells. In a significant achievement, the BDU disarmed seven landmines and safely deactivated one suicide vest. Despite this, 11 suicide bombings tragically occurred. A new and worrying trend noted in the report was the occurrence of two "tunnel explosions," which are causing considerable concern among security agencies.
Regional Breakdown: Bannu, Bajaur, and D.I. Khan
The security situation varied across districts, with some areas bearing a heavier brunt. Bannu district emerged as a particularly serious hotspot. There, the BDU disarmed 12 IEDs, but a alarming 31 others exploded. The district also saw 41 hand grenades defused, while 14 rocket shells were fired.
In Bajaur district, 14 IEDs exploded. The BDU's work there led to the defusing of 29 hand grenades, yet reports confirmed nine grenade attacks and 17 rocket shell explosions. The D.I. Khan district saw 28 hand grenades safely deactivated by the unit. Meanwhile, Kohat reported 24 hand grenades being used in attacks and eight rocket shell explosions.
Hard Work Amid a Concerning Security Landscape
The comprehensive report underscores the BDU's quick response and dedicated hard work throughout a dangerous year. The personnel routinely risk their lives to protect the public. However, the high number of successful explosions indicates that the manufacturing and use of explosives remain frequent.
The data ultimately suggests that while the Bomb Disposal Unit is effectively fulfilling its mandate, the overall security environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains deeply troubling. The continued prevalence of IEDs, grenades, and emerging threats like tunnel explosions points to an enduring challenge that requires sustained counter-terrorism and intelligence efforts.
